球洞賓館(The Punchbowl Inn)

Called in yesterday after long walk on the tops. My partner and I ordered the roast chicken dinner. On the plate were two thick lumps of chicken breast, plain mixed veg, a Yorkshire pudding, roast pirates and watery looking mash. The mash was bland, lacked butter and seasoning and was very watery. The veg , basically just boiled and bland. The Yorkshire ok, the roast potatoes ok. Where do I start on the chicken. I went to cut it and the knife wouldn’t do the job. It was tough. Managed to pull a bit apart with the fork, It was appalling. So tough, so dry, so tasteless. All I ate was the Yorkshire and 3 small roast potatoes. My partner, who never leaves anything, left his too. Like a lot of people I hate to complain, but I had to. When the young woman brought the bill £17.50 each, I said the chicken was tough. Her reply was ‘We have had some people says the knives were a bit blunt’. I said, it’s not the knives, it’s the chicken, it’s been over cooked and is so dry. She then said ‘We have had a few complaints on the chicken. I told her that was the worst Sunday roast I have ever had. What are you going to knock off the bill. She said nothing as we had both part eaten the meals. I said but I had not been able to eat the chicken , but no , she said we can’t knock anything off. So my Yorkshire and 3 small roast potatoes cost me £17.50. What a disgrace. She even said it’s not their fault the chickens they had got were not good. I said , it’s not the chickens, it’s how they’ve been overcooked and dried out. I was appalled that , they happily said about all the other complaints, but continued to serve the garbage. What bad management and bad attitude to their customers. We eat out a lot and my partner said, I’m glad you said something, it was really bad.

Great friendly hotel in a lovely location. Nice and quiet, but close enough to the local towns. Fantastic room and great tasty breakfast. Thanks a lot guys 👏😀

This is a lovely traditional pub with lots of nooks and crannies with a warming log burner. There is also a separate restaurant area. The staff here were all really welcoming and attentive which made for a lovely experience for my mum who doesn't go out often. The food was also very good with a wide range of choices. We enjoyed it so much that we've booked for a larger group next month. Definitely recommend this place. Warm and homely in the winter and then loads of out door seats for the summer months.

Wonderful hospitality on a rainy day. We arrived rather wet and were greeted with kindness and thoughtfulness. Despite the pub being very busy on a Sunday afternoon and only wanting a snack we were treated with the utmost courtesy thank you

Superb staff and food rooms comfy and modern. Had a really good night's sleep. Shower and bathroom exceptionally clean and modern. Staff friendly, helpful. Lovely ares

Unfortunately not what it used to be. Along with most places, the food choice is much more limited and much more pricey than what we remember! I understand the reasons (Brexit, cost of living crisis, difficulty of getting staff), but it's such a shame when you look forward to returning to a pub that used to be one of your favourites to find a pretty mediocre choice of food. Also the black chairs in the garden are a health hazard and collapse very easily. Stick to the benches if you want to retain your dignity!

Haven't been here for a while, and was pleased to say it was just as warm and friendly as we remembered it. Food was excellent, beer was a delight, and we were well looked after, despite our two youngsters (7 & 4) causing chaos at times ;-)

My wife and I visited for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it. The food was excellent and good portion size. The two staff members were very helpful but a bit dis-organized. I would very much recommend the prawn starter the sauce was amazing. I also enjoyed a tasty local blonde beer (Ullswater blonde)

Beautiful little Inn within a picturesque village. No phone signal, just a lovely quiet weekend for me and my partner! It was lovely and just what we needed! Staff couldn’t do enough for you. Good food, service, advice and location! Thank you!